Shoaib Akhtar predicts Pakistan to outclass India in Champions Trophy clash
The Rawalpindi Express expects a 'cracking' match between the two archrivals
June 03, 2017
KARACHI: Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar thinks Pakistan are hot favourites to win against archrivals India in the high-voltage Champions Trophy clash on June 4.
Speaking to Geo.tv, Akhtar predicted that Sarfraz’s men will outclass Kohli-led India at Edgbaston.
"I will give a 60 percent margin to Pakistan and it’s because the team is in a good nick and they will definitely be playing to outclass India," he said.
“I am expecting a cracking match. Pakistan have got a proper bowling lineup, we have spinners, we just need proper application," he added.
The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ had a word of advice for the team.
"Pakistan team doesn't have to go out there with a defensive mindset. They need to keep rotating the strike and go for a better total and mind you, there is no pressure. It’s just like any other game,” he said.
When asked about his favourite Pakistan-India moment, Akhtar said it was yet to come.
"My favourite Pakistan-India moment is yet to come. It’s gonna be on June 4, when Pakistan will defeat India in the Champions Trophy," he said with a grin.
For Akhtar, memories of India-Pakistan encounters are always worth cherishing. Reminiscing about the famous Kolkata Test in which he showed Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar the way back to the pavilion with back-to-back in-swing yorkers, the former right-arm pacer said that he has great memories from that particular match.
"It was a very supportive crowd until I bowled out Sachin; as soon as I did, it was as if the entire Hindustan went against me,” he said.
“It was a great tour. The crowd was superb. It’s always been fun playing there.”
"We receive a lot of love from the crowd but the love evaporates when you win against India," Shoaib added with a chuckle.
